At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Sunday afternoon or Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.
1. Amazon — The Wind Book for Rifle Shooters, $22.99
This is the NEW May 2020 Edition, Just Released!
Readers often ask: “Is there a good, easy-to-comprehend book that can help my wind-reading?” Many of our Forum members have recommended The Wind Book for Rifle Shooters by Linda Miller and Keith Cunningham. Other books cover wind reading in a broader discussion of ballistics or long-range shooting. But the Miller & Cunningham book is ALL about wind reading from cover to cover, and that is its strength. The book focuses on real world skills that can help you accurately gauge wind angle, wind velocity, and wind cycles. Here’s a video review explaining what makes this book so good.
2. Bullet Central — Farley Classic Edition Coaxial Rest, $1085
Whether for benchrest matches or F-Open, a well-made front rest is vital. Farley still makes quality, well-built rests that are favorites of benchrest shooters. Farleys are smooth-operating and match-proven.
The best way to get a Farley is to order from Bullet Central. Right now the Classic Edition Farley Rest is in stock for $1085 — nearly $300 less than some other well-known coaxial competitors.
If you want some more “bling” in your rest, Bullet Central also sells the exclusive Gold-finish Limited Edition Farley Rests. The Gold Coaxial II BR is $1265.00, while the Ltd. Edition Gold Coaxial II F-Class model is $1407.00.
3. Midsouth Shooters — All Berger Bullets on Sale
Time to stock up on projectiles! Right now Midsouth is running a big sale on Berger bullets. Pretty much all Berger competition and hunting bullets are on sale, including popular LRHT and Hybrid match bullets. You’ll find all your favorite calibers: .223, 6mm, 6.5mm, 7mm (.284), and .30 Caliber. Midsouth even has the new High-BC 109gr 6mm, 153.5gr 6.5mm, 190gr 7mm, and 208gr .30-Cal Long Range Hybrid Target bullets on sale. Go to SALE HERE.
4. MidwayUSA — Rem 700 Magpul 6mm Creedmoor, $724.99
This Rem 700 rifle qualifies for $75 Mfg. Mail-in Rebate. Net Price $649.99 with rebate.
Here’s a very impressive rifle in a fun, accurate caliber. Check out this Remington 700 Magpul Enhanced Rifle in 6mm Creedmoor. On sale now at MidwayUSA for $724.99, this rig features a 20″ Heavy Barrel (threaded muzzle) and Magpul Flat Dark Earth stock with internal chassis. Note, this rifle ships complete with M-Lok bipod mount and folding bipod PLUS an X-Mark Pro externally adjustable trigger. IMPORTANT: This rifle qualifies for a $75 Remington Rebate. That lowers your net cost to $649.99 (after rebate).
5. Midsouth Shooters — Hornady A-Tip Bullet Sale
Hornady A-Tip bullets have intrigued shooters with their unique design featuring an elongated aluminum tip. Hornady claims the A-Tips provide high, ultra-consistent BCs for every bullet in the box. These A-Tip bullets are packaged from small sequential production runs, again to ensure uniformity. Right now at Midsouth, you can grab these modern A-Tip bullets at some of the lowest prices we’ve seen.
6. Grizzly Industrial — Gun Case and Range Bag Clearance
It’s great when you can find high-quality gun cases and range bags at a serious discounts. Head over to Grizzly.com for the Bald Eagle gun case and range bag clearance Sale. You will some really great deals on rifle cases and very functional stiff-sided range bags. Please check the sizes. Most of the rifle cases are 45″. For a long-barrel match or PRS rifle you may prefer the 50″ model, offered for $37.77 in blue or red, or $41.97 in black. The range bags are high quality, with stiffening foam in the sides plus padded internal dividers. We use these range bags to carry our spotting scopes and other valuable gear.
7. Cabela’s — Garmin Portable GPS units with SatComs
The biggest fear many hunters or hikers have is being lost/stranded with no way to communicate for help. Quell those fears with Garmin’s satellite-enabled GPS units. The Garmin inReach Explorer and Garmin 66i GPS both feature interactive SOS, connecting you to the GEOS 24/7 search-and-rescue monitoring center. They also allow you to send and receive text messages, no matter where you are, via advanced inReach satellite technology. Yes you can communicate even if you are miles from the nearest cell tower. Cabela’s sale prices are quite a bit cheaper than other vendors.
8. Natchez Shooters Supplies — Hornady Ammo Sale
Hornady makes quality target and hunting ammunition in an amazingly large selection of calibers. Whether for hunting, PRS, target practice, or just fun shooting you’ll find appropriate Hornady ammunition on SALE at Natchez. This is a great chance to pick up some quality ammo at very attractive prices. But don’t hesitate — the most popular cartridge types may sell out quickly.
9. Amazon – Arctic Zone Cooler, $29.99
Being truly prepared for a long match or range day requires more than just bringing guns, ammo, rests, and targets. You also need to stay hydrated and eat properly. Accordingly, a smart shooter will have a quality cooler to hold food and beverages. We were impressed with the Arctic Zone hardbody cooler. This features a clever zipperless design that provides easy access while keeping your food chilled all day long even in the summer heat.
Here’s a great set of stick-on (adhesive) splatter targets. Shots appear as bright neon yellow halos — providing easy-to-see instant feedback. The $7.99 target packs include 10 sheets of black circles, 3″ in diameter, for shooting out to 300 yards and beyond. In addition, each sheet includes 8 smaller red center bulls plus 22 stick-on black dots. You can shoot the entire target sheet, or peel off one or more circles to stick on a target backer. These also work great indoors with pistols.
In a preceding story, we revealed the 6mm ARC cartridge from Hornady. This is VERY similar to the 6mmAR cartridge based on the 6.5 Grendel, which was developed by Robert Whitley a decade and a half ago. Hornady developed the 6mm ARC is cooperation with the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), and now the first run of 6mm ARC black rifles is heading to DOD testers. Barrett Firearms Manufacturing, Inc. (“Barrett”) has announced that it has partnered with Hornady to chamber the REC7 rifle series in the new 6mm ARC offering. The first production run of these rifles has been delivered to the U.S. DOD, fulfilling a contract that was awarded to Barrett late last year. READ MORE HERE.
Barrett states: “The combination of the proven REC7 DI gas system and the potent 6mm ARC cartridge creates a product that is consistently accurate and easy to shoot. Carrying 24 rounds in the magazine, the 108 gr. ELD Match bullets leave the 18″ Proof Research match grade stainless steel or carbon fiber barrel at over 2630 fps. This easily gives the rifle supersonic capabilities past 1000 yards.”
In this video Ryan Cleckner (Former U.S. Army Ranger) tests the Barrett REC7 chambered in 6mm ARC:
Many of our readers have never had a chance to shoot much past 600 yards. How far away does a 1000-yard+ target really seem to the naked eye? Well this short video answers that question. Gorilla Ammo, the video’s producers, used a camera-carrying aerial drone to fly downrange from the firing line all the way out to 1122 yards (and back again). Watch the drone footage at 0:00-0:07 and especially 0:48-1:03. The “bird’s-eye view” really gives you a sense of the distance. The “fly-back” at 0:48-1:03 time-mark is what makes this video worth watching.
The video features prone shooting at steel targets placed at 750 and 1122 yards. We do apologize for the lame, “oh so serious” voice-over which attempts to make this rather ordinary range session seem like some kind of life-changing experience. (Frankly, you may just want to turn the sound off — it’s that annoying.) It’s really not that big a deal to hit steel at 750 yards with a quality AR-15, chambered in .223 Rem, shooting Sierra 77 grain MatchKings.
Hitting Steel at 1122 Yards with 2540 FPS Ammo Can Be Challenging
The 1122-yard hits are a bit more impressive. Gorilla Ammo lists a relatively sedate 2540 fps Muzzle Velocity for its .223 Rem 77gr SMK ammunition. According to JBM Ballistics, at 1125 yards, that 2540 fps load has 68.3 MOA of drop from a 100-yard zero (firing at sea level and 80° F ambient). Morever the bullet goes trans-sonic around 750 yards (losing stability) and is traveling just 933 fps at impact. And the wind’s the killer — at 1125 yards, with this bullet/load, a mere 2 mph, full-value wind change can move the Point of Impact over three feet!
At a time when most major shooting championships have been cancelled, it’s great to see an event still taking place. The High Desert 3-Gun Championship in Idaho will be going forward June 12-14, 2020. Set at the Parma Rod & Gun Club in Idaho, it great to see an outdoor shooting competition going forward even as much of America still rankles under Pandemic stay-at-home orders. Match Registration is still open.
GunsAmerica Digest Editor True Pierce will be shooting the event, and he’s excited about the chance to compete in a beautiful location. He recently authored a story: Top 10 Reasons to Shoot the Aero Precision 3-Gun Championship. Pierce explains the appeal of the match — big prize table, excellent stages, and even a bit of PRS — there are long-range bonus stages with rifle targets out to 1000 yards.
GunsAmerica Digest Editor True Pierce at 2019 High Desert 3-Gun Championship. Note the Pistol, Rifle, and Shotgun (on wood benchtop).
Among True Pierce’s reasons for attending the match, here are the most compelling:
1. Great Prize Payout — This year there is over $50,000 worth of prizes. Every one of the 200+ competitors should receive something. Prizes include guns, triggers, optics, ammo, gear, tools and more.
2. Great Stages — This is a true 3-gun match where you shoot ALL your firearms (Rifle, Pistol, Shotgun) on ALL 10 stages. There are even bonus long-range targets out to 1000 yards. Bring an optional precision rifle for these long-range segments.
3. Great Location — The match is held in Idaho in a scenic outdoor setting at the Parma Rod & Gun Club Range, located an hour from Boise. There is outdoor camping at the range for just $10/night.
4. Great Experience — True Pierce reports: “It’s fun! Really fun! You’ll be shooting in bays, shoot houses, towers, natural terrain, and using cool props. The average shooter will spend four minutes shooting each stage and will shoot about 300 rounds of rifle, 300 rounds of pistol, 200 rounds of birdshot, 40 slugs, and 30 rounds of long-range.”
Long Range Precision (LRP) is a useful series of videos product by Ballistic Magazine and sponsored by Remington, Barnes Bullets, and Eotech. All six of the Season 1 LRP videos are embedded below for easy “binge watching”. In addition, all seven Season 2 episodes can be watched online on BallisticMag.com.
In this video series host Sean Utley covers many gear-related topics including rifle configuration, scope selection, chambering choices, ammunition options, bipods/tripods, and chronographs. In addition, the series covers training methods, bullet ballistics, wind reading, and rifle handling.
Most of this is pretty basic stuff, but it can be helpful for newcomers to long range shooting. For example, Season 1 Episode 4 covers chambering options including 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Winchester.
Season 1, Episode 1: Anatomy of a Long Range Precision Rifle
Season 1, Episode 2: Foundations of Long Range Shooting
Season 1, Episode 3: Mechanics of Long Range Shooting
Season 1, Episode 4: Best Calibers for Long Range Shooting
Season 1, Episode 5: Anatomy of Bullet Flight
Season 1, Episode 6: Critical Equipment for Long Range Shooting
Watch Latest Long Range Precision Season 2 Videos
Along with all these Season 1 videos, there are seven Season 2 videos available on BallisticMag.com. Season 2, Episode 2 is a good video on Adjusting for Wind. And if you are interested in learning how Doppler Radar is used to develop bullet designs, we recommend Episode 7 from Season 2. This 7-minute video covers the latest technology in ballistics radar. CLICK HERE to watch video.
We found two impressive optics sales for Memorial Day Weekend. Both these sales can potentially save you $500.00 or more. There are great deals on Horus optics, including a multi-product combo kit with scope, LRF, and Weather Meter. Or, if you are Law Enforcement or Military personnel, you can save 20% on top-tier Schmidt & Bender riflescopes.
Horus Optics — 15% Off Sitewide Plus Package Deal
Get 15% OFF site-wide and 25% OFF the HoVR Complete Long Range Solution Kit now through May 25th. You can save on scopes, Laser Rangefinders, Weather Meters and more. Note — this is a limited time offer, while supplies last. DEAL HERE.
The HoVR Kit features the HoVR 5-20×50 F1 Riflescope with TREMOR3 Reticle, the HoVR 2000 BT Laser Range Finder, and the HoVR Weather Meter. Use all devices with the FREE Horus Ballistics App for quick and accurate firing solutions. Save 25% this weekend only. DEAL HERE.
EuroOptic.com — 20% Off Schmidt & Bender for LE/MIL
Here’s a great deal if you are a Law Enforcement worker or member of the U.S. Military. Now through 11:59 pm on Monday May 25, 2020 (Memorial Day), you can save a full 20% on top-of-the-line Schmidt & Bender riflescopes and optics accessories.
Our friend Jason Baney explained that EuropOptic wanted to recognize the hard work and sacrifice of our LE/Mil community. Accordingly EuroOptic has created a special LE/MIL sale: “Now through Monday, any LE/MIL accounts that are set up with us will be eligible for 20% off all Schmidt & Bender scopes for Memorial Day weekend.” Note — you must have a LE/MIL registered account to see the 20% Off price. Jason explains: “Reduced pricing will show when you login to view.”
Horus Sale Tip from ELRResearcher. We welcome reader submissions.
Some have smaller stature. Ladies, on average, have smaller torsos and shorter arms than men. Junior shooters are also smaller than adults. For all these types of competitors, particularly ladies and juniors, McMillan Fiberglass Stocks has created the new A-10 stock. This new stock is shorter, lighter, and more compact than other popular McMillan stocks, such as the A-5 and A-6. It has a modified, more-forward grip, and the LOP adjusts down to 12 inches.
The A-10 incorporates features of McMillan’s popular tactical stocks but in a more compact format to match the ergonomic needs of smaller-frame shooters. The new A-10 is a well-balanced tactical design that combines a thinner forearm like the A3-5, a butt hook similar to the A-5, and the sleek lines of the A-6.
The vertical grip is positioned further forward than other A-series stocks, which allows for a more relaxed 90-degree trigger finger placement and shorter trigger reach — perfect for shooters with smaller hands. The grip also features a small shelf to assist in consistent hand placement and reduce fatigue. To further accommodate smaller-frame shooters, the adjustable buttstock can deliver a length-of-pull as short as 12 inches. An adjustable cheek-riser ensures optimal head alignment.
Britainy McMillan, McMillan V.P. of Operations, revealed how the A-10 was developed:
“We consulted many of the top shooters in the country throughout the R&D process of the A-10, including Regina Milkovich, one of the top competitors in PRS competition. We wanted to know what the pros would like to see in a precision stock, and the result is the A-10.
We feel this is the optimal rifle platform not only for women and other small-stature shooters, but especially for the youth shooter. The overall design, coupled with full adjustability in length-of-pull and cheek piece height, provides a stock that younger shooters can ‘grow with and not grow out of.’ We also went with the A-10 designation because this is a totally new stock in the McMillan lineup.”
If you’ve ever used a Harris Swivel Bipod, you know that, without tools, it is difficult to put enough tension on the swivel locking knob to really lock the unit solid. And, if you do manage to get the knob really tight (perhaps by using pliers), it is difficult to loosen with fingers alone.
That was why Terry Cross and the folks at KMW Long Range Solutions invented the Pod-Loc™. This system replaces the knurled swivel tension knob with a push-button adjustable handle. Using the handle you can easily set the swivel tension at any level from loose to “rock solid”. And you can release tension to adjust the bipod to different terrain just as easily. The genuine KMW Pod-Loc™ retails for $33.99 at Brownells.com.
How to Build Your Own Bipod Swivel Locking System
While we use genuine KMW Pod-Locs on our rifles, readers on a tight budget, or who have a large collection of bipod-equipped rifles, can economize by putting together their own swivel locking systems from off-the-shelf components. You can buy suitable levers from www.T-Nuts.com. This vendor offers a variety of appropriate handles, ranging in price from $7.70 to $10.00. So, by sourcing the parts, you can outfit four bipods with swivel adjusters for the cost of one Pod-Loc.
We recommend the Nylon/Stainless BPL/NS model ($7.70), but you may prefer the all-metal BPL-ZS ($8.50), or the shorter BPL-Micro model ($8.25). The compact Micro lock does not protrude past the body of the bipod, yet is still easily grasped. T-Nuts supplies one 3/16″ spacer with most of its bipod handles. T-Nuts handles are also available with a metric M6x1.0 thread for use with imported bipods such as Outers and Rockport.
Installation is Easy — With the Right Socket
To install a swivel locking system, first you’ll need a 1/4″ socket to remove the keeper nut from the threaded pivot rod. (During this process, you’ll need to keep pressure on the pivot rod retaining pin on the opposite side of the bipod.) Don’t try to remove the keeper nut with pliers or an open-end wrench. You really need the correct socket. Once that keeper nut is removed, then unscrew the knurled tension knob/ring. This is attached to the same threaded shaft as the keeper nut but you should be able to remove it without tools.
After the knurled tension ring is off, it is easy to put your handle on the bipod. First slip the 3/16″ spacer over the threaded pivot rod. Keeping finger pressure on the pivot rod retaining pin (on reverse side), then spin on the T-Nuts handle. Rotate the handle inwards until it firmly locks the bipod swivel mechanism. By pushing the button in the head of the handle, you can swing the handle left or right to set its position without altering the swivel tension.
We like AR-style .22LR rigs for Rimfire Tactical Matches and 3-Gun cross-training. With an AR-style rimfire rifle you can train with low-cost ammunition while enjoying the same ergonomics, controls, and sighting systems found on your centerfire ARs.
Smith & Wesson offers an upgraded version of its M&P 15-22, a fun rifle that we’ve praised in the past. The enhanced M&P 15-22 Sport MOE SL model (Magpul Original Equipment Slim Line) features a more comfortable handguard, an improved grip, and an adjustable Magpul buttstock. The dedicated .22 LR M&P rifle retains the look and features of the company’s popular M&P rifle line, with the enhanced ergonomics of Magpul furniture. The M&P 15-22 Sport MOE SL model is offered with either Flat Dark Earth (Tan) stock and grips, or with Matte Black components. MSRP is $505.00, with street price around $450.00.
Click Image for full Spec Sheet.
Here is an interesting Long-Term Test of the M&P 15-22 Sport MOE SL:
IMPORTANT: If you are considering buying an M&P 15-22, then definitely watch this video. It explains which types of ammo (CCI, Browning) work well, and which caused issues (Federal bulk). In addition the video explains how best to clean and maintain the rifle.
The M&P 15-22 Sport MOE SL features a high-strength polymer upper and lower receiver. In addition to the standard features of the M&P 15-22 Sport rifle, which include front and rear MBUS folding sights and the M&P Slim M-LOK handguard, the new MOE SL version comes with a Magpul mil-spec carbine stock, SL Grip, and Magpul Type2 M-LOK rail covers. The M&P 15-22 SPORT MOE SL is available in matte black or flat dark earth finishes and comes with a 25-round .22 LR magazine.
S&W 15-22 MOE SL Notable New Features:
— Adjustable stock with improved sloped comb profile.
— Shielded ambidextrous release lever prevents snagging and accidental adjustment.
— Push button QD socket and sling loops.
— Grip is slimmer with more vertical grip angle and Beavertail backstrap.
— Heavily textured grip contact surface.
Got four-and-half grand to burn? Looking for a new rifle that will impress your buddies at the range? Then check out Remington’s updated .50 BMG rifle, the R2Mi. In appearance, it sort of looks like an AR10 on steroids. But this thing is massive. It weighs about 30 pounds and has a 30″ Walther barrel. Though it may look like a semi-auto in the photo, this is a LEFT Bolt, Right port bolt-action gun.
GunsAmerica Digest says the R2Mi is based on the Bushmaster BA50: “The R2Mi has upper and lower receivers that follow the basic design of AR-pattern rifles, but it is a manually operated bolt-action rifle with a left-side charging handle that works the bolt carrier directly. The upper receiver is railed like most modern AR rifles as a scope mount. The R2Mi comes standard with a Lothar Walther 30″ barrel with a 1:15″-twist and a free-floating railed handguard that serves as an accessory mount for low light optics and other accessories along with the included folding steel bipod.”
For the hefty investment ($4599.00 MSRP, $3999.00 Street Price), at least Remington tosses in some good gear. The R2Mi ships in a big Pelican Storm transport case, and comes complete with a bipod, two 10-round magazines, eye protection, ear protection, and cable lock. Those accessories are worth $450.00 or so.
The Remington R2Mi is closely related to the Bushmaster BA50*, shown in this video:
The R2Mi is fitted with a Magpul PRS Gen 3 stock and ErgoGrip Deluxe Tactical pistol grip. If you want to change out those components, the R2Mi is compatible with various AR components including grips and stocks. The controls are similar to AR controls including the selector lever and magazine release.
Here is Remington’s product description: “The free-floated barrel, with 1:15″ twist and 8-groove rifling is perfectly suited for harnessing sub-MOA accuracy from the .50 BMG. And its left-hand operated, right-hand eject bolt-action and 10-round box magazine, ensure comfortable cycling with no need for the shooter to adjust position. The R2Mi is also one of the simplest .50-caliber rifles to assemble and maintain. Its upper receiver locks to the lower receiver with two integral pins, and its full-length Picatinny rail accommodates a wide range of optics.”
Remington R2Mi Features:
• Left Bolt, Right Port Action
• Billet Aluminum Lower Receiver
• Compatible with AR Accessories
• AAC Cyclops Muzzle brake
• Ships with Steel Folding Bipod
• AR-type Take-down for maintenance
Price is Hefty — MSRP is $4599.00
Is this a good value? It depends — this is a mag-fed rifle, with some interesting features. But $4599.00 is still a steep price for a rifle that is not an everyday shooter. On the other hand GunsAmerica states: “It can be very expensive to shoot .50 BMG and many repeating rifles chambered for the round can cost thousands more. The MSRP for the R2MI is only a little more than what some single-shot .50s cost, which means this rifle has a good value.”
* The BA50 was the original design of Cobb Manufacturing. Bushmaster purchased the design, upgraded some features, and released the rifle as the Bushmaster BA50. This bolt-action, magazine-fed .50 BMG rifle featured a 22″ or 30″ Lothar Walther free-floating barrel with a 1:15″-twist rate. Bushmaster claimed the BA50 was capable of shooting 1 Minute of Angle (MOA) groups with M33 ball ammunition.
The best way to get a Farley is to order from Bullet Central. Right now the Classic Edition Farley Rest is in stock for $1085 — nearly $300 less than some other well-known coaxial competitors.
If you’ve ever used a Harris Swivel Bipod, you know that, without tools, it is difficult to put enough tension on the swivel locking knob to really lock the unit solid. And, if you do manage to get the knob really tight (perhaps by using pliers), it is difficult to loosen with fingers alone.
